8 Illuminating Documentaries About Vermont
Exploring the Green Mountain State's Hidden Stories
Vermont, with its picturesque landscapes and rich history, has long captivated filmmakers and audiences alike. The Green Mountain State's unique culture, natural beauty, and compelling stories have inspired numerous documentaries over the years. These films offer viewers a deeper look into Vermont's character, from its rural traditions to its progressive values.
Documentaries about Vermont provide an illuminating window into the state's diverse communities, heritage, and natural wonders. From exploring the granite industry in Barre to showcasing the state's farming traditions, these films capture the essence of Vermont life. They highlight the resilience, creativity, and spirit of Vermonters while addressing important social, environmental, and cultural issues that shape the region.
1) Freedom & Unity: The Vermont Movie
Freedom & Unity: The Vermont Movie is a groundbreaking documentary series that explores the rich history and culture of Vermont. This collaborative project brings together over four dozen critically acclaimed Vermont filmmakers.
The series consists of six parts, each delving into different aspects of Vermont's unique identity. It covers topics from the state's early days to contemporary issues, highlighting Vermont's independent spirit and activism.
Award-winning filmmaker Nora Jacobson led the project, which features contributions from various talented directors. The series examines Vermont's role in significant historical events and social movements.
Freedom & Unity showcases Vermont's pioneering efforts, such as being the first state to outlaw slavery in its constitution. It also explores the state's connections to influential figures like Ethan Allen and Bernie Sanders.
The documentary series provides viewers with a comprehensive look at Vermont's iconoclastic nature. It combines historical footage, interviews, and expert commentary to paint a vivid picture of the Green Mountain State.
2) The Lost Kingdom: A Vermont Dragon Descends
Jay Craven's historical drama "Lost Nation" offers a unique perspective on Vermont's early years. The film explores the state's fight for self-determination during the Revolutionary War era.
Set against the backdrop of the nascent Republic of Vermont, "Lost Nation" weaves together the stories of two influential figures. Ethan Allen, a key leader in Vermont's independence movement, takes center stage alongside Lucy Terry Prince, recognized as the first Black female poet in America.
Craven's work brings to life the complexities of Vermont's formative period. The film showcases the state's struggle for recognition and autonomy amidst broader revolutionary conflicts.
"Lost Nation" features a cast including Kevin Ryan, Eva Ndachi, Matt Orduna, and Rob Campbell. Their performances help breathe life into these historical characters and events.
The film is part of a 50-town tour across Vermont, allowing local audiences to engage with their state's rich history. Screenings are scheduled in various locations, including Arlington Commons and Bennington Museum.
3) Vermont Speaks for Itself
Vermont Speaks for Itself is a significant documentary from 1973 that sheds light on the economic and social challenges faced by low-income Vermonters. The film provides a raw and honest look at the lives of working-class people in the state during that time period.
Produced by the Vermont Media Collective, this multi-media project uses extensive interviews with local residents to illustrate their daily struggles. The documentary gives voice to those who often went unheard, allowing them to share their experiences firsthand.
The film captures a crucial moment in Vermont's history, documenting the social and economic landscape of the early 1970s. It offers valuable insights into issues such as poverty, employment, and social inequality in rural Vermont communities.
Vermont Speaks for Itself serves as an important historical record, preserving the stories and perspectives of everyday Vermonters during a time of significant change. The documentary continues to be recognized for its social justice focus and its role in raising awareness about economic disparities in the state.
4) Man With A Plan
"Man With A Plan" is a satirical documentary film released in 1996. It stars Fred Tuttle, a real Vermont dairy farmer, playing a fictionalized version of himself running for U.S. Congress.
The film was directed by John O'Brien and showcases Vermont's rural culture and politics. Tuttle's character faces financial struggles on his failing farm and decides to run for office despite having only a fourth-grade education.
Tuttle's campaign in the film is notably unconventional, featuring bizarre tactics and local humor. The documentary pokes fun at political campaigns and Vermont public figures.
Since its release, "Man With A Plan" has become a cult classic in Vermont. It offers a unique blend of fiction and reality, using Tuttle's authentic farming background as a backdrop for its political satire.
The film provides insight into Vermont's agricultural challenges and small-town dynamics. It captures the state's rural character and independent spirit through Tuttle's endearing performance and O'Brien's direction.
5) Vermont's Unsolved Mysteries
Vermont's picturesque landscape conceals a number of perplexing unsolved mysteries. The Bennington Triangle, a term coined by author Joseph A. Citro, refers to an area in southwestern Vermont where several unexplained disappearances occurred between 1945 and 1950.
One of the most notable cases is the vanishing of Paula Jean Welden. The 18-year-old Bennington College student went for a hike on the Long Trail in December 1946 and was never seen again. Despite extensive searches, no trace of her was ever found.
Another puzzling incident involves James E. Tedford. On December 1, 1949, Tedford boarded a bus to Bennington after visiting relatives. Witnesses reported seeing him on the bus, but he inexplicably vanished before reaching his destination.
The Vermont State Police Major Crime Unit continues to investigate these and other cold cases. With over 50 unresolved cases throughout the state, authorities have dedicated resources to solving these enduring mysteries.
These unsolved cases have captivated the public's imagination and inspired numerous theories. From supernatural explanations to more earthly speculations, Vermont's mysteries continue to intrigue investigators and amateur sleuths alike.
6) The Ballad of the Orange Crush
"The Ballad of the Orange Crush" is a captivating documentary that explores the legendary Denver Broncos defense of the late 1970s. This film focuses on linebacker Randy Gradishar, the heart and soul of the team's formidable defensive unit.
The documentary traces Gradishar's journey from his humble beginnings working in his father's grocery store to becoming an All-American at Ohio State University. It then delves into his professional career as the cornerstone of Denver's Orange Crush defense.
Viewers gain insight into the impact Gradishar had on the Broncos and the NFL during his playing years. The film features interviews with former teammates and coaches, providing a comprehensive look at Gradishar's contributions both on and off the field.
While not specifically about Vermont, this documentary offers football fans and history enthusiasts a compelling narrative about one of the sport's most influential defensive players. It showcases the dedication and skill that defined an era of NFL football.
7) Vermont's Quiet Revolution
"The Story of Vermont's Quiet Digital Revolution" is a documentary that explores the impact of Front Porch Forum, a unique social media network. Created by Michael Wood-Lewis, this platform focuses on hyper-local communication exclusively for Vermont residents.
The film, directed by Peter Strauss, showcases how Front Porch Forum has transformed community interactions across the state. It highlights the platform's role in connecting neighbors and fostering local engagement.
Entire towns have embraced this digital tool, demonstrating its widespread adoption. The documentary follows several Front Porch Forum members, illustrating how the platform has affected their lives and communities.
Despite being largely unknown outside Vermont, Front Porch Forum has sparked a significant change within the state's borders. This quiet digital revolution has reshaped how Vermonters communicate and build relationships locally.
The film premiered at the Vermont International Film Festival in October 2018. It offers insights into the power of targeted, community-focused social media in rural areas.
8) Champlain: The Lake Between
This documentary explores the rich history of Lake Champlain and its surrounding region. The film reclaims the area's significant role in the founding of both the United States and Canada.
Set against the backdrop of Lake Champlain's natural beauty, the documentary delves into the lives of Native Americans who originally inhabited the area. It examines their interactions with European explorers and settlers over a 150-year period.
The film pays particular attention to Samuel de Champlain's voyage to the lake in 1609. It highlights how the native people referred to the body of water as "the Lake Between," a name that captures its geographical and cultural significance.
Produced by filmmaker Caro Thompson, the documentary was released in 2008 to coincide with the 400th anniversary of Champlain's expedition. It offers viewers a comprehensive look at the region's early history and its impact on the formation of two nations.
The documentary serves as an educational resource, providing insights into the complex relationships between indigenous peoples and European newcomers. It sheds light on a crucial period in North American history, making it a valuable tool for understanding the region's past.
Exploring Vermont's Cultural Heritage
Vermont's rich history and unique traditions come to life through thoughtful documentary filmmaking. These works capture the essence of the Green Mountain State's cultural identity, from its colonial roots to modern-day expressions of community spirit.
Historical Significance in Documentaries
Vermont's past takes center stage in several illuminating documentaries. "Rough Blazing Star" by Christopher Wiersema explores Barre's granite industry and its connection to anarchism. The film blends historical records with personal memories, creating a layered narrative of the town's labor history.
Another documentary delves into the 1960s counterculture movement in Vermont. It examines communes like Packer Corners in Guilford, shedding light on a transformative period in the state's social landscape. These films offer viewers a window into pivotal moments that shaped Vermont's character.
Representation of Local Traditions
Documentaries play a crucial role in preserving and showcasing Vermont's cultural traditions. The Vermont Indigenous Heritage Center's exhibit, featured in a film, highlights Native American culture and experiences in the region. This visual exploration helps educate viewers about often overlooked aspects of Vermont's heritage.
Local filmmakers also capture Vermont's artisanal traditions and community events. These documentaries celebrate the state's rural way of life, from maple sugaring to town meeting day. By focusing on these uniquely Vermont customs, filmmakers contribute to the ongoing narrative of the state's cultural identity.
Impact on Local Communities
Vermont documentaries shed light on pressing local issues and foster community dialogue. They provide a platform for voices often unheard and spark conversations about solutions to challenges facing the state.
Economic Contributions Through Film
Documentary filmmaking brings economic benefits to Vermont communities. Productions create jobs for local crew members, actors, and support staff. Filmmakers often rely on local businesses for equipment rentals, catering, and accommodations.
The presence of film crews boosts tourism and hospitality industries. Visitors drawn by the documentaries' subjects contribute to local economies through lodging, dining, and shopping.
Documentaries also showcase Vermont's natural beauty and cultural attractions. This exposure can lead to increased tourism long after filming concludes, providing ongoing economic benefits to featured communities.
Some films inspire viewers to support local causes or businesses highlighted in the documentaries. This can result in donations, volunteers, or increased patronage for Vermont organizations and enterprises.
